Laboratory for LC-QTOF analysis
Do you want to perform LC-QTOF analysis in the context of a control or a product development?
What is LC-QTOF technology?
The LC-QTOF apparatus combines liquid chromatography with a high resolution time-of-flight detector.
This equipment allows us to determine the different components of a mixture of organic materials and to determine their nature.
With the help of its specialized detector, the Lc-QTOF is able to determine precisely the molar mass of the molecules and thus their gross formula and their nature.
Indeed, this technique is associated with a database of more than 800 substances!
What is LC-QTOF analysis used for?
Liquid Chromatography – Quadrupole Time-of-Flight (LC-QTOF analysis) is a high-resolution analytical technique combining chromatographic separation with accurate-mass spectrometry.
LC-QTOF couples ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. The chromatograph separates the mixture, while the TOF detector measures exact mass and isotopic patterns.
This technology provides:
- High-resolution, high-accuracy mass measurements (< 5 ppm)
- Identification of unknown compounds, impurities, degradation products and leachables
- Screening of complex mixtures using full-scan, non-targeted acquisition
- Formula elucidation and structural interpretation
- Sensitive detection at low concentration levels
Thanks to its versatility, LC-QTOF analysis is ideal for samples requiring detailed chemical profiling such as polymers, organic additives, cosmetic ingredients, medical-device extracts or specialty chemicals.
The FILAB laboratory is equipped with a latest generation LC-QTOF to assist you
FILAB is an independent, ISO 17025-accredited contract laboratory offering LC-QTOF analysis services for the identification, characterization, and profiling of organic compounds.
We support R&D teams, quality departments, and regulatory projects across the chemical, polymer, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and medical-device industries.
Our expertise and state-of-the-art high-resolution mass spectrometry instrumentation allow us to provide accurate and reliable LC-QTOF testing tailored to your application.
All detectors :
Advantages of QTOF analysis over conventional LC-MS
Unlike triple-quadrupole systems that require predefined transitions, QTOF acquires full spectral data for every ion. This makes it ideal for retrospective data mining, unknown identification, and structural elucidation through MS/MS fragmentation. The large dynamic range and fast polarity switching further extend its applicability to complex industrial and biological matrices.
FAQ
LC-QTOF is suitable for a wide range of organic and polymer-based matrices, including:
- Polymers, plastics, elastomers
- Packaging materials
- Cosmetics & personal care products
- Medical devices (extracts, residues)
- Pharmaceuticals & intermediates
- Chemical formulations & specialty chemicals
Our LC-QTOF services support multiple applications, such as:
- Impurity and contaminant identification
- Extractables & leachables testing
- Polymer de-formulation and additive characterization
- Non-targeted screening
- Formulation comparison or reverse engineering
- Discovery of unknown peaks in chromatograms
- Regulatory compliance (ISO 10993-18, REACH, etc.
Yes. LC-QTOF is particularly suited for non-targeted, full-scan screening, allowing the detection and identification of unknown compounds without predefined lists.
This is ideal for complex mixtures, contamination investigation, and material compatibility studies.
Triple-quadrupole LC-MS/MS is optimal for targeted quantification of known analytes with very low detection limits. QTOF provides full-scan high-resolution spectra, making it superior for unknown identification, retrospective analysis and comprehensive profiling without predefined methods.
Modern LC-QTOF systems achieve detection limits in the low ng/mL to pg/mL range for many organic compounds, depending on matrix complexity, ionisation efficiency and chromatographic resolution. Exact sensitivity is determined during method feasibility.
Yes. FILAB validates LC-QTOF methods in accordance with ICH Q2(R1) and client-specific protocols, covering specificity, linearity, repeatability, intermediate precision, accuracy, LOD, LOQ and stability.
